6 Classic Old Saybrook Holiday Traditions

Anyone who has heard of Spain’s Tió de Nadal knows there are some odd holiday habits in this world. Things aren’t quite as “out there” around these parts, but we do have festive ways to celebrate the season that are as classic as leaving milk and cookies out on December 24. We’re talking about the holiday traditions in Old Saybrook, of course!

Shopping on Main Street

The search for unique gifts is as much a holiday tradition as caroling — make it fun, not stressful. When you need to play Santa in Old Saybrook, consider Main Street shopping to be your workshop. From book shops to jewelry stores, an array of local businesses line the street with your special holiday finds.

Holiday Brunches

This time of year is known for delicious dishes, and we do our part when it comes to festive feasting.Buffet your way through Christmas Day with our Yule Tide Harvest Table menu, or recoup from a long night at our New Year’s Day “Hangover” Brunch. ‘Tis the season to indulge, we’ll worry about those resolutions later.

Old Saybrook Winter Stroll

The first seasonal stroll for some, and a stroll down memory lane for others. It wouldn’t be the holidays without the Old Saybrook Winter Stroll coming to town. Packing the best of the season into one event, the stroll features chorus singers, Santa visits, and festive activities for kids.

The Torchlight Parade

The annual Torchlight Parade in Old Saybrook has been marching through town for over 45 years and pays homage to Torchlight Musters from the Revolutionary War era. The march gets rolling at the top of Main St. with over 20 Fife & Drum Corps and bagpipers, dressed in period clothing, in attendance. Volunteers carrying torches light the way, and holiday floats follow closely behind the musical queue. The procession ends at the Town Green where parade-goers are greeted with sweet treats and hot chocolate.

Horse Drawn Carriage Rides at the Point

Nothing pairs better than hot cocoa and holiday cookies, except maybe a horse drawn carriage. A favorite way to spend a cozy winter weekend at the Point, and get into the holiday spirit, is through the sound of clip clopping along the causeway on a carriage ride.

End of Year Holiday Traditions: New Year’s Eve Gala at the Point

Wrap up the holiday season (and the year) with a grand jubilee. The best tastes and sounds of the season are in attendance at our New Year’s Eve Gala. Sip on cocktails, espresso, and cappuccino while you feast on hors d’oeuvres, pick from the raw bar, and satisfy your sweet tooth with dessert. Live music will have you dancing until the clock strikes midnight, when you can join us for a toast!Photo: Al404 via flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0From town parades to big buffets, go ahead and add these Old Saybrook holiday traditions to the list of reasons to plan a trip to the Point.